Sennheiser is a name synonymous with high-fidelity audio, and with the launch of the Sennheiser Accentum Open, the brand takes a bold step in a new direction—introducing open-ear, over-ear headphones designed for long-term comfort, ambient awareness, and rich sound. This model targets listeners who prioritize awareness of their surroundings, lightweight construction, and signature Sennheiser audio performance.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll explore the features, design, sound quality, battery life, connectivity, and ideal use cases of the Accentum Open. We’ll also compare it to other Sennheiser headphones and competing models to help you decide whether this innovative open-ear solution is the right fit for you.
What Are the Sennheiser Accentum Open Headphones?
The Sennheiser Accentum Open is a pair of open-ear wireless headphones, meaning the drivers sit close to, but not directly on, the ears—delivering sound without sealing the ear canal. This design allows users to stay connected to their environment, making it ideal for commuting, walking, or working in shared spaces.
Quick Overview
- Open-ear design for natural ambient sound
- Lightweight construction (170g)
- Up to 60 hours of battery life
- Bluetooth 5.2 with multipoint support
- Sennheiser Sound Personalization app support
- Priced competitively at around $179 / €179
Design and Build Quality
Lightweight and Minimalist
The Accentum Open headphones feature a streamlined, ultra-lightweight frame weighing just 170 grams. This makes them among the lightest over-ear headphones available today, especially in the open-ear category.
Open-Ear Architecture
Instead of covering the ear or fitting into the ear canal, the drivers hover just outside the ears. This design offers:
- Natural awareness of surroundings
- Comfort for long listening sessions
- No ear fatigue or pressure on the ear canal
- Sweat-friendly usage for light workouts
Build Materials
- Matte plastic and fabric construction
- Adjustable headband with padded cushion
- Soft-touch driver housings
- Fold-flat earcups (not fold-in)
Though made largely from plastic to keep weight down, the build feels solid and refined, in line with Sennheiser’s premium design language.
Comfort and Fit
Designed for All-Day Wear
One of the key advantages of the Accentum Open is its exceptional comfort. The open-ear design means:
- No in-ear intrusion, unlike earbuds
- No heat build-up, unlike closed-back headphones
- No suction or pressure, which often causes fatigue
Whether you’re in the office, taking a walk, or wearing them during an 8-hour shift, these headphones are designed to stay comfortable.
Sound Quality
Signature Sennheiser Tuning
While open-ear headphones naturally lose some bass due to the lack of seal, Sennheiser’s engineers have managed to tune the Accentum Open to deliver:
- Clear mids and crisp highs
- Balanced frequency response
- Decent bass presence, though not deep or boomy
- Wide, open soundstage ideal for podcasts, acoustic music, or ambient listening
If you’re a basshead, these might not satisfy your craving. But for the average listener who wants clear vocals and detail, the Accentum Open shines.
Battery Life and Charging
Industry-Leading Battery Endurance
Sennheiser claims an impressive 60 hours of playback on a single charge.
Charging Specs:
- USB-C charging
- 10-minute quick charge = up to 8 hours playback
- Full charge in approximately 2 hours
In real-world testing, you can expect well over 50 hours even at medium to high volumes. This makes the Accentum Open perfect for:
- Long trips
- Office use
- Minimal charging maintenance
Connectivity and Features
Bluetooth and Multipoint Support
The Accentum Open uses Bluetooth 5.2, offering:
- Stable connection
- Low latency for video and calls
- Multipoint pairing (connect to two devices at once)
Supported Bluetooth codecs include SBC, AAC, and aptX, ensuring compatibility with most modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Smart Controls and Voice Assistant Integration
- Physical buttons on the right earcup for volume, playback, and calls
- Long press to activate Siri or Google Assistant
- Works well with Android and iOS devices
No touch controls—intentional, to avoid accidental triggers due to the open design.
Sennheiser Smart Control App
The Accentum Open supports the Sennheiser Smart Control app (iOS and Android), offering:
- 5-band equalizer
- Sound Personalization profile
- Battery monitoring
- Firmware updates
- Toggle on/off voice prompts
The app is intuitive and allows subtle personalization, though the EQ can’t drastically alter the sound due to open-ear limitations.
Microphone Quality and Call Performance
Surprisingly Good for an Open-Ear Headset
The Accentum Open includes a beamforming microphone array, designed to:
- Reduce wind noise
- Focus on the speaker’s voice
- Suppress moderate ambient sounds
In calls, the voice comes through clear and natural, making them usable for:
- Work calls
- Voice memos
- Hands-free phone use while walking
However, in very noisy environments, results are average.
Use Cases: Who Should Buy the Sennheiser Accentum Open?
These headphones aren’t designed for studio use or intense gaming. They’re perfect for:
1. Commuters and Cyclists
Stay aware of traffic, announcements, and surroundings without sacrificing music or call quality.
2. Office and Remote Workers
Comfortable all day, and great for background music without complete isolation.
3. Casual Listeners
Perfect for home use, podcasts, audiobooks, or relaxed music sessions.
4. Fitness Enthusiasts (Light Use)
Not sweatproof or workout-focused, but fine for walks, yoga, or treadmill sessions.
Sennheiser Accentum Open vs. Other Open-Ear Options
| Feature | Accentum Open | Sony LinkBuds | Shokz OpenRun Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Over-ear open | Earbud ring-type | Bone conduction |
| Audio Quality | Clear and detailed | Average | Less musical, more voice |
| Battery Life | 60 hours | ~5.5 hours | ~10 hours |
| Comfort | Excellent | Very light | Secure fit, some pressure |
| Ambient Awareness | Natural | Excellent | Excellent |
| Mic Quality | Good | Good | Average |
| Price | $179 | $179 | $149 |
The Accentum Open excels in battery, comfort, and audio quality among open-ear competitors.
Limitations to Consider
While the Accentum Open is an excellent overall product, it does have a few trade-offs:
No Active Noise Cancellation
That’s by design—open-ear headphones are meant to let sound in.
Limited Bass Response
The open architecture naturally limits bass extension. Not ideal for EDM or hip-hop lovers seeking sub-bass impact.
Not Workout-Proof
These are not IP-rated. Avoid heavy sweating or rain.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Accentum Open?
If you’re looking for comfortable, open-ear headphones for daily use, the Sennheiser Accentum Open stands out as one of the best options on the market. With long battery life, Sennheiser audio tuning, and natural ambient awareness, they’re ideal for commuters, casual listeners, and multitaskers.
They’re not for everyone—those needing heavy bass, ANC, or workout durability should look elsewhere—but for their purpose, the Accentum Open delivers impressive value and premium sound in a smart, user-friendly design.